UK Says Consulate Will Stay Open Even as Diplomats Exit East Jerusalem

Britain announced that most of its diplomats will leave the occupied East Jerusalem consulate as Israel orders a shutdown.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that 20 diplomats and the Consul General would depart, while a small task‑force of seven personnel could remain in the building with limited activities.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said that the withdrawal was temporary and driven by security concerns, but insisted the mission would continue to operate as a “UK Mission” and collaborate with the Palestinian people.

The closure follows the UK’s sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which the government has labelled illegal under international law.